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President Obama recently signed a bill that bans microbeads – those tiny polyethylene particles added to beauty products to help exfoliate the skin — because they’re damaging to the environment and wildlife. The beads are so small they’re not being filtered from wastewater treatment facilities so they wind up clogging waterways and they’re also being ingested by fish and other animals, affecting them and possibly us, the humans that consume them. Though some companies have already started phasing them out of their products the bill stipulates it must be done by Jan. 1, 2018.

“I’ve always preached against microbeads,” says Dr. S. Manjula Jegasothy, board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Miami Skin Institute. “Not only are they bad for the environment, but I do not condone for their use as an exfoliant because they’re horrible for the skin. They can clog pores, causing more breakouts, and even worse, they can cause infection and chronic inflammation.” She recommends chemical exfoliants like alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids instead of microbeads to keep skin fresh and glowing.

For normal to dry skin, Dr. Jegasothy recommends cleansers formulated with glycolic acid as it’s the smallest of the acids, which allows it to penetrate the skin best. For those with oily skin, she likes salicylic acid because it’s oil-soluble so it’s able to penetrate pores to remove debris and help control oil production.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash ($6) is recommended by more dermatologists than any other acne-fighting cleanser for a reason, it really works! Salicylic acid helps it get deep down into pores to clear skin and prevent future breakouts. Skin soothing ingredients make it gentle and effectively prevent irritation and over drying.

neutrogena.com

Glytone Antioxidant Anti-Aging Night Cream ($90) applied to entire, face, neck and décolleté before bedtime will exfoliate, renew and hydrate so you wake up with brighter skin. Formulated with glycolic acid to encourage cell renewal for brighter, more even-toned skin, red tea extract to protect and peptides to smooth.

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Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment ($69) is formulated with a perfectly balanced six-acid blend including both glycolic and salicylic acids. It de-clogs and minimizes pores, reduces pigmentation, breakouts and scarring and it also contains other potent ingredients to target toxins and extract excess sebum oils and bacteria as it heals problem skin. You’ll also like it for the prevention of razor bumps and in-grown hairs. Expect clearer, brighter, healthier looking skin.